Pearl McClung Kessler, 96, of Fayetteville, formerly of Rainelle, passed away peacefully at Hubbard Hospice House in Charleston, Sunday, July 27, 2025, with family members at her bedside. Pearl was born on Oct. 3, 1928, to the late Andrew W. and Elizabeth “Lizzie” (Crookshanks) McClung in Fayette County.
She received her bachelor’s degree from West Virginia Tech and her master’s degree from West Virginia University. Pearl was a devoted full-time schoolteacher for 39 years, and a substitute teacher for 29 additional years. She taught until she reached the age of 89! Pearl loved teaching and touching the lives of those young people she mentored.
While living in Rainelle, she was a member of the Big Sewell Baptist Church. After moving to Fayetteville, she was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband the Rev. Roy B Kessler, five brothers, one sister and brother-in-law, three stepsons, three stepdaughters, a precious niece, Sue Fannin and her husband Jerry, five sisters-in-law, and a special niece, Judy McClung.
Survivors include her only son, Mike and his wife Diana of Crosslanes; two precious granddaughters, Michelle Kessler Buehler and husband George, Hollie Kessler Beckwith and husband Thomas and her only “lovely” great-granddaughter, Dallon Rae Beckwith.
She was very lucky to have three caring step grandsons, Jeremy, Ben and Jeffrey Beakes and their wives and children whom she loved as her own. These grandsons kept her on her toes, always playing pranks and joking with her.
Pearl was blessed to have one special sister-in-law, Carolyn McClung and one former sister-in-law, Janet Rozell, nephews Floyd Jr., Jim and James McClung, Jim Baker; nieces Eva McClung, Tina McClung Sheerin, Pam Heerans; and special friends Jim and Janet Rozell, Ruth Dufour, Betty Puckett’s family, Fred Perry’s family, Betty Graham, Brenda Wagner, and Bob and Mary Eva Wade.
Funeral services will be Saturday, Aug. 2, at 12 noon at Smathers Funeral Chapel, Rainelle, with pastor Benny Kenney officiating. The family will receive former students, friends, and neighbors from 11 a.m. until the time of the service.
Interment will follow at Sims-Crookshanks cemetery on Loops Road with friends and family serving as pallbearers. A reception in Pearl’s memory will be held at Big Sewell Baptist Church fellowship hall after the services.
In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in memory of Pearl M Kessler to Hubbard Hospice House, Charleston, WV, or in memory of her brother, A.W. McClung, Jr., to Bowers Hospice House, 454 Cranberry Dr, Beckley, WV 25801. Her theme was “Just One Rose Will Do.”
Smathers Funeral Chapel is honored to care for Pearl and her family during their great time of need.
Online condolences from former students, friends and family is encouraged at www.smathersfuneralchapelinc.com
